He was born on July 31, 1922, in Caldwell, Idaho, to Pluribus and Tacie Tiller.

In 1925, his family moved to Burns, where his father took a job managing the local Safeway store. Tiller attended school in Burns and graduated from Burns High School in 1940. After high school he worked in the shipyards during World War II, and after the war ended, he returned home to work on the family ranch, which was then located in the Rye Grass Lane area.

On Sept. 16, 1945, Tiller married Elisa Ramirez. They had three daughters together — Julie, Angie and Melanie.

After leaving the ranch, Tiller worked at the Harney County Assessor’s office as an appraiser for a number of years. He then began his own hay contracting business, which was a vocation he truly loved as he was able to be outside in God’s creation, something he never took for granted.

On Nov. 27, 1970, Tiller married Ruby Castle. They were married just shy of 40 years.

Tiller was an avid hunter and was very active in the local bowling league for many years. He loved to watch all varieties of sports, depending on the season. Above all else, he loved his God and his church.

Tiller is survived by his wife, Ruby; daughters, Angie Tiller of Burns and Melanie Epping and husband Curtis of Long Beach, Wash.; brother, Earl Tiller and wife Verda of Burns; step-sons, Gary Moss and wife Dina of Gresham and Mike Moss of Burns; and nephews, Don Swindlehurst and wife Carol Ann of Bend, Joel Swindlehurst and wife Merlena of Hines, Scott Swindlehurst and wife Christy of Unity, and Ted Tiller and wife Shellie of Hines.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous friends.

Tiller was preceded in death by his parents, Pluribus and Tacie Tiller; sisters, Ruth Elaine Tiller and Virginia Swindlehurst; brothers, Royce and Donald Tiller; and daughter, Julie Tiller.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tiller’s memory may be made to Harney County Save-A-Stray or Hillcrest Church of Christ, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.

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